Recycling Nutrient Solution Can Reduce Growth Due to Nutrient Deficiencies in Hydroponic Production.

ABSTRACT: It is common in hydroponics to supply nutrients to crops by maintaining electrical conductivity (EC) of the recycling solution at a target level. Levels of individual nutrients in the solution are generally not assessed as their regular measurement and adjustment can be both expensive and technically challenging. However, the approach of growing crops at a target EC can potentially result in nutrient imbalances in the solution and reduced growth. We quantified the effects of recycling on solution EC changes, tissue nutrient concentration, canopy growth rate, plant water status, and shoot and root weight of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a greenhouse. The tap water quality was moderately alkaline and similar to that commonly observed in many commercial greenhouses. In our research, recy

SUBMITTER: Miller A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7783079 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature